A Look Back: Golden State Warriors vs Pelicans

Nearly six weeks ago, the Golden State Warriors kickstarted their playoff campaign after an incredible regular season run that saw them finish with the best record in the NBA. Seemingly invincible and unbeatable through most of the regular season, the Warriors were widely considered as favourites to win the title.

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Standing in their way in the first round were the New Orleans Pelicans. Buoyed by a win over the San Antonio Spurs on the final day of the season, the Pelicans snuck into the playoffs ahead of the ninth-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. Led by superstar Anthony Davis, there were a few that thought the Pelicans could upset the Warriors, just as the eighth-seeded Warriors upset the first-seeded Dallas Mavericks back in 2007.

Game 1 – Warriors 106 – Pelicans 99

Game 1 set the tone for the rest of the series. Anthony Davis finished with a game high 35 points, while Stephen Curry followed closely with his 34. The Pelicans put up a strong fight, but ultimately, it was Curry who pulled the Warriors out of the ditch. They were dominant in the first three quarters, smothering Anthony Davis. Unfortunately, Draymond Green rolled his ankle on a play in the fourth quarter, which allowed Davis to attack the basket and be more aggressive. He scored 20 of his 35 points in the final quarter, but the Warriors were able to close the game out with the bench.

Game 2 – Warriors 97 – Pelicans 87

Encouraged by their fourth quarter push in Game One, the Pelicans started off strongly in Game Two. They raced out to a 13-point lead in the first quarter, before the Warriors reined in the deficit. It was a very Jekyll and Hyde performance from the Dubs, who showed their best and worst sides. Draymond Green was once again tasked with defending Davis, who “only” had 26 points, but shot poorly – going 9-of-22 from the field. The Warriors were given a warning: play poorly and the Pelicans will punish you.

Game 3 – Warriors 123 – Pelicans 119

It seems as though the Warriors didn’t learn their lesson from Game Two. Playing in front of a raucous New Orleans’ home crowd that was loudly in support of their first appearance in the playoffs since Chris Paul’s departure, the Pelicans had a 20-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Then, the meltdown of all meltdowns occurred. The Warriors clawed their way back, with Stephen Curry willing his team with his seven 3s to even up the game. The Pelicans, oddly, chose not to foul in the closing seconds, which allowed Curry to hit a three at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime. The Warriors stole the lead with the first basket in OT, and never gave it up.

The disastrous fourth-quarter meltdown is what many believe ended up costing Monty Williams his job.

Game 4 – Warriors 106 – Pelicans 99

Facing elimination and fighting against history (no team has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit to win a seven-game series, the Pelicans were in an uphill battle to stay alive. Unfortunately, the Warriors put together their best game to close out the series in New Orleans.

The Splash brothers combined for 64 points as they promptly dismantled the Pelicans. This was the Warriors’ first playoff series sweep since the 1975 Finals, where they swept the Washington Bullets for the NBA title. With the nerves out of the way, the Warriors were able to show everyone they meant serious business by taking care of the Pelicans in a comfortable fashion.

PLAYER OF THE SERIES

Stephen Curry clearly deserves this award based on his performance. He averaged 33.8 points, 7.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. He was simply magnificent, pushing and willing the Warriors through when they seemed down and out. He showed everyone that his regular season brilliance wasn’t just a fluke.

However, honourable mentions need to go to Draymond Green. His defense on Anthony Davis was absolutely key in the series. Coach Steve Kerr had Green on the court whenever Davis was, and Green ended up averaging 41.6 minutes per game. His defensive versatility was something that the Warriors sorely needed in this series against one of the most athletic power forwards in the game.

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